Table of Contents
Pakistan delivered a comprehensive performance in the 2nd ODI against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, securing a commanding 10-wicket win to level the series at 1-1. Saim Ayub’s maiden ODI century and a brilliant spin-bowlin꧑g display left Zimbabwe completely outclassed in all dꦰepartments.
Zimbabwe’s struggles against Pakistan’s spin attack
Zimbabwe’s decision to bat first in the second ODI against Pakistan quickly backfired as they were bowled out for just 145 in 32.3 overs. The Pakistani spin duo of Abrar Ahmed and Salman ali Agha completely outclassed Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. Zimbabwe’s top-order resistance came from Dion Myers (33) and Sean Williams (31), but neither could build a significant partnership, and🦄 the batting was undone by poor shot selection and inconsistent running between the wickets. Tadiwanashe Marumani’s early run-out epitomized Zimbabwe’s struggles in the field.
Abrar Ahmed and Agha Salman lead the charge
Pakistan’s spin attack proved devastating, with Abrar making an unforgettable debut in the format. He claimed 4/33, weaving a web of spin that had Zimbabwe’s batters in all sorts of trouble. His variations and sharp turn were the key factors in his success. Salman was equally impressive, with 3/26, keeping the pressure on with tight, economical bowling. Together, they dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup, restricting them to a meager total and ensuring that Zimbabwe never gained any real momentum. Their combined efforts (7 wickets for 59 runs) highlighted Pakistan’s dominance with the ball and their tactical superiority in exploiting the turning pitch in Bulawayo.
Also READ: ZIM vs PAK, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and Where to watch in India, Pakistan, Z🌟imbabwe, UK, USA and South Africa
Saim Ayub’s stunning maiden ODI century guides Pakistan to victory
Set a modest target of 146, Pakistan’s openers made quick work of the chase, reaching the target in just 18.2 overs. Ayub led the charge with a remarkable 113* off 62 balls, a knock that featured 17 boundaries and 3 sixes. Ayub’s aggressive yet controlled approach showcased his potential as one of Pakistan’s rising stars. Abdullah Shafique played the supporting role with an unbeaten 32 off 48 balls, allowing Ayub to dominate the chase. The pair’s dominance was reflected in💃 their impressive run rate of 8.07, as Pakistan comfortably achieved the target, leveling the s💝eries at 1-1.
Ayub’s century, brought up in just 53 balls, was a statement performance, combining power and precision to leave Zimbabwe’s bowlers helpless. His blistering knock ensured that Pakistan’s victory was both comprehensive and dominant, with the home side never really threatening the chase. This clinical performance underscored Pakistan’s all-around superiority in the second ODI.
Here’s how Twitter reacted
Saim Ayub reaches his maiden century in just his fifth ODI for Pakistan. He's struck 16 fours and 3 sixes as he reaches a hundred off just 53 balls. A stunning knock
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz)
SAIM AYUB, TAKE A BOW! 🙌
His maiden ODI hundred comes off just 53 balls – the joint third-fastest for Pakistan, only bettered by Shahid Afridi! 🇵🇰🔥
— Hemant Bhavsar (@hemantbhavsar86)
Well played Saim Ayub. A 100𒁏 in 53 deliveries ♥️.
— Faisal Yousaf (@FaisalYousaf66)
Saim A😼yub smashed a century in 2nd ODi against Z🅠imbabwe.
— Waseem Khan Lodhi|BA56🏏 (@iAmKhanLodhi)
Saim Ay✨ub is a game changer for Pakistan! He bats with a mindset which totally different to Pakistani brand🌄 of cricket which makes him x-factor for Pakistan Cricket Team.
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_)
Maiden ODI 💯 for Saim Ayub!!!!
Pakistan cruising to victory!!!
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA)
Saim Ayub brings 🍒up his maiden ODI𒁃 hundred and Pakistan all set to win this match by 10 wkts🥵🔥 |
— Rayham🇵🇰🏏 (@Rayham__56)
Ni💫ce to see Saim Ay🅘ub get his first international century. Hopefully many more to come across formats.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi)
Watching Saim Ayub bat is a surreal experience in itself.
Just to remind you all Babar Azam benched Saim for his bestie Rizwan at last WT20 and only played him after we had lost 2 matches already.
Don't forget how these youngsters were never given a chance to find their form.— Abdullah (@abdullahhammad4)
This is a statement innings From Saim Ayub that for the CT when pitches will be flat you wil🐽l need him to even come close to the fire power of other teams.
— Ahmad Cheema (@LateInswinger)
Saim Ayuꦚb ends unbeaten on 113 off just 62 deliveries, pote💧ntially paving the way for how Pakistan should be approaching limited overs cricket in years to come.
A s🌜pectacular knock, featuring 17 fours and 3 sixes ⭐
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango)
Congratulations to Saim Ayub for his Maiden ODI century. In this game, Pakistan went for the kill and didn't allow Zimbabwe to reach 200. This is how Pakistan should have played the last game. Great figures by Abrar on debut. Faisal has had a great rise, he should be utilized…
— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad)
Pakistan level the ODI series, 1-1 👏
— betvisa69.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Saim Ayub did what many overhyped Pa🗹kistan batters only can dream
— Wasay Habib (@wwasay)
